Starbase 3/Starfleet Headquarters
10 months ago

The chirp of Admiral Reynolds comm badge brought him back from the depths of his imagination and memory of the thriving Starbase 3, a year before this destruction, when he first set foot as Commanding Officer of the Fleet. So many bright faces, so many possibilities, so many bright futures within Starfleet.

"Admiral Reynolds, this is Captain Dressler of the Destiny. All personnel are evacuated, awaiting your word to beam you over."

Reynolds looked around at the rubble that used to be the Operations Center of the station. "What about the deceased?"

"We have accounted for the deceased aswell Admiral. Admiral Hammond requests a word once you are aboard."

Reynolds eyes widened. Admiral Hammond was the one to take over for Admoral Dougherty once it was out that Dougherty was one of many master minds behind the Klingon Faction attacking 3rd Fleet and the Federation. Of all people, Admiral Hammond was one fo them people that could get in a staring contest with God and God would blink first. Hammond was a stone, he probably had a stone heart as well.

"Is he aboard?" Reynolds asked after a short pause.

"Yes sir."

"Engergize."One moment he was aboard Starbase 3, the next he was in the transporter room of the USS Detsiny, a Destiny Class starship mainly used for sciene missions and diplomatic missions. The first thing reynolds saw once he materialized was the stoney cold face of Admiral Hammond. He was short in stature, his almost caveman like brow rested atop of beady lblack eyes over shadowed by bushy gray eyebrows.

Reynolds quickly brought a smile to his face and extended his hand. "Nice to see you out and about Admiral Hammond." Hammond looked at Reynolds hand and turned his back to him.

"Follow me." And as quickly as his little legs could take him he was gone. The crew of teh Destiny along with Captain Dressler stood very still only moving there eyes toward Reynolds. "Dont' worry, he's mad at me." Reynolds said jokingly to ease the tension. He followed Hammond quickly through the guts of the ship to the state room where most Diplomatic meetings are held. It was cold and sterile, like most State Rooms he had visited. hammond took up a commanding seat at the head of the oval table emblazened with the Federations emblem.

"Do not sit, this will not take long." hammond ordered coldly. "Orders have already been sent out to 3rd Fleet but I wanted to inform you personally. I am hereby shutting down this shamble and embarassment of a Fleet. This Fleet is stained with the memory of what former Admiral Dougherty had done. Your Officers are at this moment being reassigned where I feel fit."

Reynolds opened his mouth to object only to be ordered to shut his mouth,....without so many words. "Admiral Reynolds, I did not invite you in here to hear your voice. Effective immidiatley you are being reassigned,....to Command Starship refits back at Utopia Plantatia. The Destiny is on her way there now to be refitted with the first Tranwarp engine. That is all." And he waved his hand as to shoo Reynolds out of the room. Reynolds stepped out into the hall empty, he didnt know what had just happened.

To be continued....

Days later...

"That is outragious!!" Reynolds shot back, his fists clenched so hard his knuckles were white and his fingers felt likey could shatter at any moment. His muscles in his arms flexed so hard they felt like they were going to rip out of his uniform. "You have no right to uproot MY Crew and throw them out to the stars. Disband 3rd Fleet, are you flippin' Mad!!"

Hammond's face and manor kept cool and collected, but his voice held a tone and weight that demanded attention. It would cause God himself to flinch. "Admiral Reynolds, we may have the same pay grade but you forget, by position and ttle I do out rank you and do hold the authority to do pretty much what I want. 3rd Fleet and expecially YOU had a close relationship with Admiral Dougherty and we all know what he has done. That is a bad stain on Starfleet's sleeve and I have been tasked to clean it up. Onemore outburst and I'll have you cleaning the exhaust vents on the underside of MY ship."

Reynolds paced, making his footsteps heard before he plopped down in the seat across from Hammond. "Atleast send them together to a Fleet we all know,.....5th Fleet perhaps." Finally Hammond's stoney face broke into a thin lipped smile. "No, I have other ideas for the fabled 3rd Fleet. As for you, you'd do nicely Commanding the Starship upgrades on Utopia Plantatia. You must hurry you are late for your Change of Command."

"This conversation is not over. I promise you that, you will see my face again and next time it will be me sending you on your marry way." The doors to Hammonds office swooshed open and Reynolds stormed out, a guard sat on either side of the door. "Move!" Reynolds commanded as he past.

Hours Later....

The Change of Command went as uneventful as any CoC would, the out going Commander cleaned outhis office and gave Admiral reynolds the updates on current and awaiting refits. "Evening Admiral." One young Ensign says quietly as she passes secretly wondering why a Fleet Admiral is taking over a job that is normally taken by a Commodore.

Then a soft familiar hand graced his cheek and rested on his shoulder. "Don't let it get to you sugar. There are soem of us that know what a great Commander you and what good you have done for Starfleet. This is just another bump in the road, Not unlike any other bumps you haven;t encountered."

Reynolds spun around to lock eyes with Zora, his Orion XO and apparently has become his love interest. Instantly the flame that has been raising in his gut fizzeled out. He nodded and smiled placing his hand on hers then retreating to his office. He plopped down in his chair and spun the computer around. "Computer." It chirped in response. "Open a channel to the re-designated Official, priority 1." The computer cirped and acknoledged the channel was open.

"Admiral Reynolds, it has in deed been along time since we've spoken. What do I owe this visit?" The other Officer spoke.

"I know you are away heading up the peace talks with the Romulans, but I must have words with you once you arrive back to Earth if possible." Reynolds voice was stern and full of ergancy.

"For you old friend, Ofcourse. I should be heading back that way in acouple months. From what I hear on the grape vine, your not going anywhere for awhile." He chuckled.

Reynolds nodded. "Two Months it is."

To Be Continued....

8 Months Later....
Utopia Plantatia....

"Admiral, request to dock at your personal port has come in on channel 1. The operator says you know who it is." The Dock Master chimed in as Reynolds read over daily reports that poored into his office.

"Thank You Darla, access granted." He cheerfully chimed back. Reynolds spun around in his chair to witness the bay doors open, the site of her took his breath away. Even though she looks just like any other Soveirgn Class just the name that was blazened across hr saucer was enough to stagger even Hammond. 'USS Enterprise'

A smile crept across his face as he jumped to his feet and made his way out the door. walkway platform extended and attached itself to the ship, the Federation emblem creased and split as it swished open. He was shorter than Reynolds remembered, but just as bald. He had a presence about this man that made everyone at ease and could make even a mute talk. His presence screamed respect. "Admiral Picard." Reynolds said extending his hand. Picards thin lips formed a thin smile that caused his forehead to crease.

"Admiral Reynolds. Far to long my old friend. What was it...?"

"Cardassia Prime." Reynolds jumped in.

"That's right, Cardassia Prime at the end of the Domion War the last time I saw you. You have made quite the name for yourself. I see your temper still gets in your way." He snickered and patted Reynolds on the back. Reynolds led him through the cooridoors of the station, crewmembers gasped as they watchwed a living legend walk past with Admiral Reynolds. "What can this old washed up Captain do for you?"

Reynolds smiled. "I need your help. I need my Fleet back." Reynolds began telling Picard of what has transpired in almost a year. Picard nodded and listened.

Picard sat back and crossed his legs, he breated deeply as he looked off into space. "You are in a pickle my friend. Hammond is not an Officer to take lightly."

"Which is why I came to you." Reynolds replied as he made his way to the replicator. "Tea, Old Grey, Hot" A cup of tea replicated and presented itself to Reynolds, which took it and gave it to Picard. "I need you old buddy." Reynolds smiled.

"I'll see what I can do." Picard uncrossed his legs and took a long sip of the tea. "No promises."

To Be Continued....

3 Weeks later...

Reynolds could hear quite the comotion going on outside his office door. "Admiral Reynolds gave strict orders nto to let..." Darla was interupted.

"Oh I bet he did, Sit your ass down. Do not touch me again Lieutenant!" A loud thunderous roar echoed its way through his door. The doors swooshed open to a short powerhouse of a man stomping in.

"Admiral Hammond." Reynolds said cheerfully standing up. "Please take a seat." Reynolds nodded, smiled and raised his hand to Darla which exhailed loudly and went back to her post.

"I don't know who you think you are!.." Hammond begun. "You have some nerve!" Reynolds sat and leaned back with a shit eating grin on his face.

"What are you talking about?" Reynolds answered.

"I know you have something to do with this....."Hammond looked across teh table with a look that would make steel bend. "Your tryin to tell me you have no idea that I have been replaced and that 3rd Fleet has been reinstated, and that YOU have been renamed the Commander of that embarrasment!?"

Reynolds shruged and shook his head. "Nope, first I heard of it. Thanks for delivering the message though. You really didn't have to come all this way to tell me."

Hammond slammed his fist down onto Reynolds desk. "I DIDNT COME HERE TO TELL YOU!!! I have been reassigned..." Hammond paused for a long while. "I'm your replacement."

Reynolds couldn't help it, his shit eating grin errupted into laughter. "You have got to be kidding me?" He laughed for a good while. "Oh man, a man of award winning personality and a killer sense of humor. I knew I liked you for some reason."

"You can stop with the sarcasim Reynolds." Hammond mumbled under his breath.

"Admiral Reynolds." reynolds snapped back. "We may have the say pay grade, but position wise, I out rank you." Hammonds face burned red. "Sucks dont it? Well, I guess I should be on my way. See that beauty?" Reynolds pointed out into the docking bay to the refitted Chabot Class starship. "Yup, thats mine. She;s waiting on me. Have a nice day Hammond." He patted him on the back as Reynolds made his way out the door. Darla was waiting with a smile streamed across her face. "I am truly sorry Darla, I have to leave you with that pumpas asshole." He pointed toward the office.

Darla cheesed and presented Reynolds with a data padd. "Nope, sorry sir, your not gettin rid of me that easily." She reached behind her chair and flung her starfleet issued duffle bag across her back. "Lead the way Admiral." Reynolds smiled and lead her down the cooridoor toward the Chabot Class ship.


To Be Continued...